Dec 29 2022 43 mins 21
Life within the Matrix is full of myths that are simply misinformation and un-truth masquerading as legitimate different perspectives. It is the challenge of modern living to sift the truth from the un-truth. Thinking is the way out of the Matrix since it is the only way to decypher the many modern myths and discern what is real from what is not. It should come as no surprise to find that the concept of thinking itself has been heavily polluted with untruth.
There are so many common myths about thinking that it has become difficult to discuss the practice from a common understanding. We have already discussed why thinking is so important, and also 10 tips for clearer thinking. Here, in building up to a useful definition of thinking, let us first take a look at what it isn’t by exploring some of these myths.
1. That what we personally do is necessarily thinking
The first common myth about thinking is that everyone assumes that their own mental habits and practices are what constitute thinking. In the absence of education about thinking in schools, and with much of the present (bankrupt) culture actively discouraging it, this is not surprising. The truth is that many people get stuck in mental circles listening to relentless self-denigrating mind chatter, or endlessly worrying. These may be mental activities, but they are not thinking.
Additionally, some mental activity considered as thoughts are actually emotions. There is often confusion between these two, with little attempt made to distinguish them. In my post ‘Emotions – what are they and what do they mean‘ I explore emotions in more detail. The point here Is that it is crucial to know what we think and to know what we feel, and to know the difference.
2. That thinking means ‘any mental activity’
Myth number two follows straight on from the first. Never asking what thinking is, leaves us ignorant of the answer. There is a vast array of mental activities but they are not all thinking. Worrying, remembering, visualising, and brooding are not thinking in its strict sense. [See definition below]
3. That thinking is automatic
Mental activity of various kinds can become automatised. In the normal process of learning thought is required to consider and modify actions, but these actions and thought processes become automated in the subconscious to free up the conscious mind for new thought. By definition automatic mental activity is not conscious. Thinking, however, is a volitional activity that requires effort and must be initiated by each individual. Mental activities that keep you awake at night such as aimless mind chatter and worry are not thinking. Thinking is a consciously initiated deliberate activity with its purpose being the acquisition of knowledge.
4. That we are what we think
It is more accurate to say that we are what we do. No one remembers what Winston Churchill thought, but we remember what he did, and therefore associate him with his choice of actions. Thought precedes action but does not necessarily lead to it. We are not necessarily our thoughts, but we are necessarily our actions. Thoughts, like words, are cheap. Our actions are what define us because they exist on the record – they are what actually happened. It is only if we act in accordance with our thoughts, and to the extent that we practice integrity, that our thoughts correlate with who we are – or who we choose to be.
Thinking is a process, its something we do. It’s not what we are but it affects who we become. Thinking is a function of consciousness. Consciousness is the primary, and thinking is the activity of consciousness.
There are so many common myths about thinking that it has become difficult to discuss the practice from a common understanding. We have already discussed why thinking is so important, and also 10 tips for clearer thinking. Here, in building up to a useful definition of thinking, let us first take a look at what it isn’t by exploring some of these myths.
1. That what we personally do is necessarily thinking
The first common myth about thinking is that everyone assumes that their own mental habits and practices are what constitute thinking. In the absence of education about thinking in schools, and with much of the present (bankrupt) culture actively discouraging it, this is not surprising. The truth is that many people get stuck in mental circles listening to relentless self-denigrating mind chatter, or endlessly worrying. These may be mental activities, but they are not thinking.
Additionally, some mental activity considered as thoughts are actually emotions. There is often confusion between these two, with little attempt made to distinguish them. In my post ‘Emotions – what are they and what do they mean‘ I explore emotions in more detail. The point here Is that it is crucial to know what we think and to know what we feel, and to know the difference.
2. That thinking means ‘any mental activity’
Myth number two follows straight on from the first. Never asking what thinking is, leaves us ignorant of the answer. There is a vast array of mental activities but they are not all thinking. Worrying, remembering, visualising, and brooding are not thinking in its strict sense. [See definition below]
3. That thinking is automatic
Mental activity of various kinds can become automatised. In the normal process of learning thought is required to consider and modify actions, but these actions and thought processes become automated in the subconscious to free up the conscious mind for new thought. By definition automatic mental activity is not conscious. Thinking, however, is a volitional activity that requires effort and must be initiated by each individual. Mental activities that keep you awake at night such as aimless mind chatter and worry are not thinking. Thinking is a consciously initiated deliberate activity with its purpose being the acquisition of knowledge.
4. That we are what we think
It is more accurate to say that we are what we do. No one remembers what Winston Churchill thought, but we remember what he did, and therefore associate him with his choice of actions. Thought precedes action but does not necessarily lead to it. We are not necessarily our thoughts, but we are necessarily our actions. Thoughts, like words, are cheap. Our actions are what define us because they exist on the record – they are what actually happened. It is only if we act in accordance with our thoughts, and to the extent that we practice integrity, that our thoughts correlate with who we are – or who we choose to be.
Thinking is a process, its something we do. It’s not what we are but it affects who we become. Thinking is a function of consciousness. Consciousness is the primary, and thinking is the activity of consciousness.
